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The "bajajs" (Sri Lankans call them three-wheelers) in Colombo are much
better maintained than those you would find in the streets of Jakarta. They
are more colourful too.
National Museum of Colombo, also known as the Sri Lanka National Museum is one of two museums in Colombo. It is the largest museum in Sri Lanka. It is maintained by the Department of National Museum of the central government. The museum holds contains a collections of much importance to Sri Lanka such as the regalia of the country, including the throne and crown of the Kandyan monarchs as well as many other exhibits telling the story of ancient Sri Lanka.
The Colombo museum as it was called at the beginning was established on 1 January 1877. Its founder was Sir William Henry Gregory the British Governor of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) at the time.[3] The Royal Asiatic Society (CB) was instrumental in bringing to the notice of Gregory on his appointment as Governor in 1872 the need for a public Museum with much difficulty the approval of the legislative council was obtained within a year. The Architect of the Public Works Department, James G. Smithers (1833 – 1910) was able to prepare the plans for new structure on Italian Architectural style. The construction was completed in 1876 and the Museum commenced it functions in the following year.
The construction of the Museum was carried out by Arasi Marikar Wapchie Marikar (born 1829, died 1925, aka Wapchi Marikar, who was descended from the Sheiq Fareed family who arrived in Ceylon in 1060 AD), paternal grandfather of Sir Razik Fareed. Wapchi Marikar was the builder of the General Post Office in Colombo, Colombo Customs, Old Town Hall in Pettah, Galle Face Hotel, Victoria Arcade, Finlay Moir building, the Clock Tower, Batternburg Battery and many other buildings that are still standing today (2011). The Old Town Hall in Pettah, which is now a busy market, was built on a contract for the sum of 689 Sterling Pounds.
Heiyantuduwa Raja (elephant) Skeleton at
National Museum of Colombo, Sri Lanka
In January 1877, the completed building of the Colombo Museum was declared open by Governor Gregory, in the presence of a large crowd, amongst which there were many Muslims present. At the end of the ceremony, the governor asked Wapchi Marikar what honour he wished to have for his dedication. He asked the same question of the carpenter S. M. Perera who was responsible for the woodwork of the Museum, who requested and was awarded a local rank. Marikar requested that the museum be closed on Fridays, the Muslim sabbath; this request was granted and maintained, although the Museum later much opened on all days except public holidays
When the throne of the last Kandyan King was to be exhibited at the Museum, the then Prime Minister, Mr. D.S.Senanayake, obtained the consent of Sir Razik Fareed, Wapchi Marikar’s grandson, to keep the Museum open on the intervening Fridays only.
Historic Buddhist statue from the Maldives, on display as of 2011. During the period between 1877 and 1999, the authorities of the museum took various steps to display the cultural and natural heritage of the country for this purpose. Several other wings were added from time to time under the direction of Dr. Arthur Willey and Dr. Joseph Pearson new structures were built during the period of Dr. P. E. P. Deraniyagala, Dr. P. H. D. H. de Silva and Sirinimal Lakdusinghe. One of the natural history museum, and yet another consists of the auditorium. These buildings would facilitate the extension of the library ethnological and Anthropological studies, etc.
To Broadway with Love
Featuring Karen Gray and Adam Jon, accompanied by Soundarie David Rodrigo.
Guest Artists - 'Soul' with Ravi Bandu Vidyapathy and Soul Sounds.
Presented to you by the Colombo Tea Traders Association.
Facebook Event: www.facebook.com/events/1894852237506266/
Timeless Echoes
The Highlights of a Decade Long Musical Journey
Presented By: The Old Joes Choir
30th and 31st of August 2008 at The British School Auditorium
It has been ten years, and The Old Joes Choir has come a long way, evolving musically, and as an entity that continues to enthral its public. A decade of dabbling, experimenting and extending the boundaries and limits of sound and music has stood in good stead, enabling a group of talented and committed individuals hone and perfect something they were already good at.
It was in 1997 that The Old Joes Choir embarked upon their musical journey; a voyage that has augured well and ushered in positive change, along with a loyal audience, fans of choral music, who have stood by them through the last ten years of evolution. Thus, it is only right that The Old Joes Choir pay tribute to their loyal, unwavering fans, and their decade old journey, through a musical celebration of the last ten years.
You are welcomed to witness a unique event, involving diversity in sound and style, in celebration of a ten year old journey, as The Old Joes Choir embarks upon a voyage of rediscovery; an expedition that will strike at the very core of their musical soul. Sit back, relax, and prepare to be enthralled, as they go back to their roots to present you with our Timeless Echoes.